How one easygoing dog helps shy dogs bloom

Some dogs become role models without even trying. That's certainly true for Kayak. Whether he’s out on the trails, negotiating for extra dog cookies, or stretched out in a sunny patch of grass, the easygoing pup has a way of making nervous dogs feel like everything is going to be OK. And that can mean a world of difference for dogs who come to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary unsure of all the new sights, smells, people, and routines.

Kayak came to the Sanctuary from a shelter in need of a little extra care. He has allergies and sensitive skin plus some trouble walking long distances. One of the ways Best Friends supports shelters in reaching no-kill is by taking in pets who may need extra care before going to homes. Kayak got the help he needed — and gave back so much in return.

Kayak’s love of sunshine is legendary. His allergies and pink skin mean sunscreen is part of his daily routine, but caregivers found an easy way to convince Kayak that the sunscreen is worth it.

“All it takes is a few dog cookies to convince him it’s sunscreen time,” Best Friends caregiver Anabel Kirk says.

But no convincing was necessary for Kayak to hop in his stroller (to give his legs a break), so he could go out on adventures on the trails around the Sanctuary with caregivers and volunteers. And of course, he enjoyed all the cookies he could swindle out of whoever was pushing his stroller that day.

Though Kayak may have seemed focused solely on snacks and sunbathing, he quietly became something of an emotional support dog for his fellow canines at the Sanctuary. His easygoing, unbothered approach to life helped nervous dogs settle in. Anabel jokes that because he loves to lounge, sun himself, and snuggle, “it’s like living with a stuffed animal for nervous dogs.”

“He’s such a great role model for shy dogs,” Anabel says. “His demeanor is so neutral that he lets the shyer dogs choose their interactions with him.”

The shy dog and the hound

In a world full of unfamiliar things, Kayak offered quiet reassurance. New people? Not scary. Weird stroller rolling by? Totally normal. Sunscreen? Fine, if cookies are involved.

Leidy, a dog tall in stature but low in confidence, slowly grew more confident by following his lead. Walks became less intimidating with Kayak cruising nearby in his stroller, calmly taking in the world. If Kayak wasn’t worried about strange sights or sounds, maybe Leidy didn’t need to be either. Leidy also took Kayak’s approach to people after watching their interactions: If they have cookies, they can’t be so bad.

Thanks in part to Kayak’s helping paw, Leidy was adopted. But Kayak didn’t stop mentoring shy dogs.

He continued to take more shy pooches under his wing to show them the ropes while he charmed everyone he met.

Next up was Starlight, another sweet black pup who wasn’t so sure about people. Starlight had done well living with other confident dogs in the past, so after Leidy went home with her adoptive family, caregivers introduced Starlight and Kayak.

Helping a shy dog spice up his social life

Starlight eased right into life with Kayak, finding strength in his steady demeanor. His easygoing nature bolstered Starlight on their daily walks with caregivers and volunteers. With Kayak by her side, Starlight was ready to conquer new challenges.

At the Sanctuary dog park with Starlight, Kayak’s priorities became immediately clear. He’d stroll in, survey the situation for approximately three feet, then plop himself into the nearest sunny patch for a nap while everyone else zoomed around him. This was perfect for his friends like Starlight, who needed his quiet presence to find their confidence to explore the world around them.

These days, Kayak continues his important work: accepting snacks, catching rays, and reminding others that the world doesn’t have to be so scary. And he’s now doing it in a home of his own. His adventures include a few new mentees in the form of his adoptive family’s young children, and they are more than willing to join in for a snuggle session in the sun.

Whether his audience has four legs or two, his message remains the same: Life is better with a little sunshine, a few snacks, and a friend by your side.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.